The ballots themselves have no names on them — they are inserted in the voting machines next to the ballot books, which contain the explanations and candidate names.

While the county and state legal experts may look at how Ivory was certified, the bigger question is whether Workman's withdrawal was sufficient under state law to allow the Republicans to replace her.

Workman accompanied her withdrawal affidavit with a letter from her physician saying she was "disabled" and unable to continue the race without endangering her health. That on its face is sufficient to satisfy the statute, but there is some question, particularly among Democrats, whether as a legal matter Workman is "disabled" or not.

Given the situation, as a practical matter Swensen may not be able to put Ivory's name on the ballot until after the central committee meeting anyway. Hatch said no suit would be filed unless and until government lawyers say the physician note was sufficient, and Swensen, for her part, said she would not put Ivory's name on the ballot until all legal matters, including potential litigation, are resolved.

As for the central committee meeting, Coleman said it would likely go forward as planned "as an extra precaution."

Meanwhile, the three mayoral candidates for Salt Lake County squared off Wednesday night in a KSL-TV debate, just prior to the final presidential debate.

The three candidates were quizzed by KSL anchor Bruce Lindsay on a 30-minute "Decision 2004: Conversation with the Candidates."

The two most contested issues centered on Ivory. At least one of his opponents isn't comfortable with both Ivory's new prospect of being listed on the ballot, as well as his platform of not taking a salary or contributions.

"It's unlawful, dishonest," independent candidate Merrill Cook said of the ballot process, explaining he'll check public opinion first before he decides if he'll officially challenge it.

Democratic mayoral candidate Peter Corroon said he has no intention of challenging it because the public is sick of tabloid politics.

Ivory said he would definitely be better off on the ballot instead of a write-in.

"I'm extremely grateful for this unexpected event," he said.

Cook said John F. Kennedy never took a salary but that was never part of his campaign platform.

"It's fine to do but not to campaign on it," he said.

Ivory believes money is the root of the problem in county government and a no-salaried mayor is the best position to be in to fix that.

Corroon does believe wiser spending of county money is a big concern. He feels he can cut the mayor's office budget by some 30 percent because that office should set the example.

"I'm a workhorse, not a show horse," he said.